At the mere mention of the word rape the human mind instantly associates it with extreme aggression and violence. Although this can be true, rape has, however, evolved and it is no longer associated with violence and aggression only because there are instances where it’s not only strangers who rape, it can be a family member an acquaintance and even a partner and such instances where forced sex occurs between people who already know each other has been termed as date or acquaintance rape.
Date/ Acquaintance rape can happen to anyone and, of late, there has been a growing trend of “Drug Facilitated rape” where there are specific drugs used to assist the rapist when attacking the victim. There are a wide variety of drugs that can be used and these “Date Rape Drugs” are used to increase the vulnerability of potential victims. Medical research suggests that anything from prescription drugs to illegal street drugs can be used.
The most commonly used drugs include Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), and Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) and have more commonly used street names like  the forget pill, Ever Clear, Scoop, Cherry Meth, Georgia Homeboy, Gamma 10, and Grievous Bodily Harm.
The drugs can be produced as a white powder form or an odourless colourless liquid and victims unknowingly ingest them after being offered “spiked” drinks. This can be dangerous since the quantities are unmeasured and therefore there is a risk of overdosing and also if some of these drugs are mixed with alcohol, it can cause seizures, cardiac and respiratory arrest, coma, or death.┬á
The most lethal Date rape drug is a veterinary drug known as Ketamine; it is a tranquilizer and its ingestion can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, sensory distortions, and paralysis. Once drugged, the victim often looks drunk, sedated, confused and can fall into deep unresponsive sleep, respiratory and circulatory impairment. Many people are not aware that alcohol on its own can also be used as a date rape drug since it has similar repercussions.
Date rape is not confined to the realms of the Drug Assisted rape area but it goes a long way and other mechanisms can be put into place for it to occur like physical and emotional threats, emotional blackmail and force. There are myths that exist, which label rapists as people who look evil, and that if someone pays for your meal and drinks they are entitled to have their way with you.
However the reality is that rapists can be very ordinary guys and when someone says no they mean no and any sexual activity that is further pursued is rape.
Although there are laws that protect people from the heinous crime known as rape, in some instances victims are castigated and blamed for reasons like dressing provocatively, leading the perpetrator on or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As if the world does not have enough on its plate in the nasty department, human beings are constantly on a mission to find new ways of making it even worse. In this era, some children are not even safe in their own homes.
Criminals have imprisoned mankind in perpetual fear causing people to always be looking over their shoulders to ensure no harm is lurking in the shadows.
